Taking frequent pictures of a new pole building under construction on is something which just does not happen on a routine basis. These pictures could easily save a world of grief. I personally believe building owners and contractors should be taking pictures more often than what I usually find is being done.

A picture does say a thousand words if not more and I feel all would benefit as a result of routine picture taking. It’s amazing what is seen when photos are reviewed.

Just today I was looking at photos posted on an online forum by a proud new pole building owner. From the photos, I was able to determine the contractor had installed the reflective roof insulation the “wrong” direction. The reflective aluminum side should have been up towards the roof steel, the white facing down, but he installed it the other way around. So much for the sun being reflected off the roof by the now “white” side of what should have been the silver “reflective” vapor barrier. On the 24 foot width building with prefabricated wood roof trusses spaced every four feet, the lateral bottom chord bracing is entirely missing. For this span, with single trusses, there should have been at least two rows of bracing installed.

For DIY clients, sharing daily progress photos with the pole building kit package provider may allow what might otherwise become a crucial error to be discovered, before it is too late to be easily corrected.

Hiring a builder? Take lots of photos. In the event something goes wrong, whether structural (as in the case of the bracing above) or functional, the pole building pictures give evidence, if needed.

What kind of camera should be used?

First off, a camera which zooms, is durable, weatherproof and has a built in flash is tops in my opinion. The new digital age has given us the ability to take as many photos as we want to without the expense and delays of film. In addition, the point and shoot cameras with at least 16 megapixels provide fantastic detail.

I find myself taking pole building pictures with my phone but smart phones simply lack the power and capability of a point and shoot or DSLR. Don’t take me wrong, there are plenty of great phones out there with outstanding cameras. But a “real” camera gives better clarity when used and offers more options for flash. Many people take pole building pictures with their phones and the pictures just stay there until they get deleted.

Despite giving “how to take a good photo” instructions to many clients, it’s amazing the number of poor pictures we get. Most of what it takes to get a decent picture, is very simple. First, don’t take pictures on a sunny day. People see the sun out and instantly run to grab their camera and take photos of their pole building. If it has steel siding and/or roofing, the sun glints off the steel and casts shadows which “color” the steel in unbecoming shades of gray and black. Piles of garbage or construction scraps often sit around the building or at best, in a garbage can…smack in the middle of the picture. Move those vehicles out of the way! You may love your pickup, but it’s blocking the view of the building. Finally, take several pictures from all angles. You never know by adjusting where you stand to take the photo, might get that immoveable tree or power pole out of the picture enough so the true beauty of your new pole building can be seen.

Most importantly, for people like me, we live vicariously through our clients. I so enjoy seeing the progress being made. And the absolute best is seeing the smiling faces in front of the newly completed pole building!